ElectroTAS Art-Net to DMX 2-Universe Node: TH-2U Product Guide

Once you know Art-Net is the right path — or you just finished USB-DMX vs Art-Net—, the next step is to know the hardware. This guide covers TH-2U (SKU TH-2U, TH Pro series): hardware layout, IP modes, configurable Neutrik ports, LTP/HTP merge, show-grade protections, package contents, and when it beats a USB–DMX TZ interface. For protocol basics, start with what Art-Net is and how it worksTH-2U is a 2-universe Art-Net to DMX node: Art-Net arrives on Ethernet (RJ45), becomes DMX512 on up to two configurable Neutrik XLR3 ports (each in or out), and runs from a 12 V 1 A supply (2.1 mm jack). You get up to 1024 channels (2 × 512), a built-in web config panel, a hardware IP MODE shortcut, LTP/HTP merge when a port is an output, and layered protections (optical isolation, ESD, EMI, isolated DC/DC channel power).

Product anatomy

We do not invent brand lists: if your console or application speaks Art-Net, TH-2U is built as an endpoint for that ecosystem.Compatibility~99% of Art-Net-speaking software and consoles

We do not invent brand lists: if your console or application speaks Art-Net, TH-2U is built as an endpoint for that ecosystem.

Diagrama de flujo de setup

Bring the node online in this order. Diagram is plain HTML (no Mermaid).

TH-2U setup — from unboxing to first signal

1. Power
   • Plug in the included 12 V 1 A (2.1 mm) PSU.
   • Confirm the power LED.
2. Ethernet
   • Connect RJ45 to your switch or PC (topology-dependent).
   • Start with the included 1 m Cat5e UTP, or use house Cat cabling.
3. IP
   • DHCP, AUTO IP, or static IP (default 192.168.1.100).
   • Shortcut: hardware IP MODE when you do not want the web panel yet.Classic Art-Net ranges 2.x.x.x and 10.x.x.x derived from the MAC’s last three octets.
   • Panel web
     • Open the integrated panel in a browser at the node’s IP.
     • Set Art-Net universe per port and in/out mode.
     • Configure Ethernet-loss behavior and merge if needed.
   • DMX
     • XLR Neutrik con cable DMX 120 Ω (no audio 80 Ω).
     • Puerto en out hacia fixtures; puerto en in si vas a inyectar DMX al nodo.
   • Soft / consola
     • Send Art-Net to the configured universe; watch Art-Net / status LEDs.
   • IP modes: DHCP, AUTO IP, static, and IP MODE
   • El TH-2U no te obliga a un solo camino de red:
   • DHCP: the switch/router assigns the address. Best when the venue LAN already runs clean DHCP.AUTO IP: self-assignment when no DHCP server is present (handy for ad-hoc labs).
   • Static IP: factory default 192.168.1.100. Ideal for a fixed FOH where the web panel bookmark never changes.
   • IP MODE (hardware): a physical shortcut to set IP without the web UI. Useful when the config laptop is missing or the network is misbehaving.
   • The node also supports classic Art-Net ranges 2.x.x.x and 10.x.x.x based on the MAC’s last three octets — matching how many consoles and Art-Net apps expect node addressing from the physical address.
   • Practical tip: write the final IP on the case or patch sheet. Status/Art-Net LEDs tell you the network is alive; the web panel is where universes and port roles are locked in.
   • Puertos Neutrik: in o out, dos universos
   • Cada uno de los dos XLR3 Neutrik se configura de forma independiente como:DMX out: el nodo convierte Art-Net a DMX512 hacia la cadena de fixtures.
   • DMX in: the node accepts DMX512 on XLR (for example from a physical console or external merge path) as configured in the panel.
   • You can run up to two universes (1024 channels). Art-Net universe addressing is per port, not a single global number. Typical patterns: universe 0 on port A (front wash out) and universe 1 on port B (movers out), or one in + one out depending on the plot.
   • Ejemplos de roles de puerto (configurables)
   • 2 × out: dos universos Art-Net independientes a dos snakes DMX.
   • 1 × out + 1 × in: un universo a fixtures y un ingreso DMX al nodo.
   • Per-port address: each Neutrik with its own Art-Net universe.
   • Remember: the last mile is still DMX512 at 120 Ω. Art-Net delivers the universe to the node; XLR finishes the job. If you are coming from USB–DMX, fixture patching logic stays the same — only the path to the XLR changes.
   • Merge LTP / HTP (cuando el puerto es salida)
   • With a port in output mode, TH-2U can merge LTP/HTP from two sources:
   • • HTP (Highest Takes Precedence): the higher channel value wins. Classic for dimmers and intensity.
     • LTP (Latest Takes Precedence): the most recent change wins. Useful for pan/tilt, color, and “last touch owns the parameter” control.
   • Common uses: main console plus a backup Art-Net soft source, or two controllers feeding the same output universe. Set merge mode in the web panel and rehearse with a test channel before doors. Merge is a coexistence tool, not a substitute for a clean network design or a tidy patch.
   • Behavior on Ethernet loss
   • TH-2U lets you configure what happens if Ethernet drops. That matters live: hold last frame? blackout? another policy you define in the panel? Decide in rehearsal, not in the dark. Note the chosen policy on the patch sheet so any venue tech knows what to expect if a switch reboots.
   • Protecciones de show: opto, ESD, EMI y DC/DC
   • El TH-2U no es un dongle de escritorio: viene con capas pensadas para escenario.

   Protection	What it means on site
   Optically isolated DMX per channel	Separa galvanicamente el lado DMX del resto; reduce loops de masa y fallas que “saltan” al control
   Filtros ESD in/out	Buffers electrostatic discharge on connectors and lines
   Isolated DC/DC channel power	DMX-side power isolated from the rest of the node
   Filtros EMI in/out	Attenuates electromagnetic noise entering or leaving the lines

   For the “why isolation matters” story on the USB–DMX side (same show philosophy), see optical isolation in TZ-1U / TZ-2U. En el TH-2U la idea es la misma: proteger el control y estabilizar la cadena DMX en entornos ruidosos.

   What is in the box

   • • Interface / nodo TH-2U
     • 1 m de Cat5e UTP
     • 12 V 1 A power supply
     • Pendrive USB con manuales, drivers y software

   That is enough to stand up a lab or small FOH without buying extras on day one. For a real show, add proper 120 Ω DMX cable and whatever house Ethernet (or a dedicated lighting switch) you already trust.

   When to buy TH-2U vs a TZ USB–DMX interface

   Resumen honesto, sin inventar precios:

   • Choose the TZ USB–DMX line when the seat is a laptop, you need one or two local universes, and the XLR run from FOH is short. Start with what USB–DMX is y el mapa 1 vs 2 universes: TZ-Mini, TZ-1U, TZ-2U.
   • Choose TH-2U when Ethernet backbone exists (or you want it), long DMX snakes are the pain point, the console/soft already speaks Art-Net, you need flexible in/out ports, LTP/HTP merge, or nodes near the load with short XLR runs.
   • TH-2U vs TZ — quick checklist
   • • Usable Ethernet switch on site? Yes: look at TH-2U. No and you do not want to add one: look at TZ.
     • Console/soft already on Art-Net? Yes: TH-2U. USB-only PC apps owning the dongle: TZ.
     • Need merge or DMX in at the node? TH-2U.
     • Emergency portable backup? A TZ on the laptop is still gold even when the main show runs Art-Net.
   • The long comparison is in USB–DMX vs Art-Net: When to Choose Each. TZ y TH no siempre compiten: USB es puente al PC; Art-Net es puente a la red.
   • FAQ
   • 1. Does the TH-2U replace DMX cable?
   • No. Lleva Art-Net hasta el nodo; el tramo a fixtures sigue siendo DMX512 por XLR a 120 Ω.
   • 2. Can I use both XLRs as outputs for different universes?
   • Yes. Each Neutrik is configured as in or out and has its own Art-Net universe address. Up to 2 universes (1024 channels).
   • 3. What is the factory IP?
   • Static IP default 192.168.1.100. You can also use DHCP, AUTO IP, or the hardware IP MODE shortcut.
   • 4. Do I absolutely need the web panel?
   • For a complete setup (universes, in/out, merge, Ethernet loss) it is recommended. IP MODE unlocks the IP without opening the browser.
   • 5. What software is it compatible with?
   • With ~99% of the Art-Net-speaking ecosystem. We do not invent brand lists: if your software sends Art-Net, the node is an endpoint.
   • 6. HTP or LTP — which do I choose?
   • HTP usually goes with intensities/dimmers; LTP with “latest wins” parameters (movement, color). Test in rehearsal with your actual patch.
   • 7. TH-2U or TZ-2U if I need 1024 channels?
   • Same channel count, different transport: TZ-2U is local USB–DMX; TH-2U is an Ethernet node with in/out, merge, and web panel. Choose by architecture, not just the number 1024.
   • 8. What exactly is in the box?
   • Nodo + 1 m Cat5e UTP + fuente 12 V 1 A + pendrive con manuales/drivers/software.
   • Next step and CTA
   • If the TH-2U fits your lighting network, visit the product page and store. In the next roadmap post we will discuss network topologies for Art-Net (no URL spoilers): how to arrange the switch, nodes, and FOH without improvising on show day.
   • Browse the ElectroTAS store: shop · TH-2U · TZ-Mini · TZ-1U · TZ-2U.
   • What is Art-Net
   • USB-DMX vs Art-Net
   • What is USB–DMX1 universo vs 2
   • Optical isolation
   • Compatibilidad QLC+/FreeStyler
   • Primer setup USB–DMX
   • Errores comunes USB–DMX
   • Cable 80 Ω vs 120 ΩDMX, electronics, and automation blog